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Not sure what's going on with my almost 2-yr-old Borador. He's very friendly and has been socialized since day one to people and other dogs; however, recently on walks when another person/dog/bicyclist comes close he lunges, grumbles, growls, barks, and generally acts like a goofball. At dog park he'll place himself between me and an approaching dog, barking and grumbling until the dog leaves, so it's not just when he's leashed. He does it at doggy daycare also, with the attendants. When someone is approaching us on our walks I move off the path or across the street. My question is whether this is actually reinforcing his behavior; i.e., the way he sees it he's warning me and we're putting distance between us and the "threat" so what he's doing is working exactly the way he wants. Should I continue on our way and not make a point of avoiding the situation? When he gets like this there doesn't seem to be a treat yummy enough to snap him out it and get his focus back on me until we've passed the other person and then he's busy turning back to look at them until they're out of sight. Also not sure what to do when he gets in my space around other dogs. Do I move away from him? Turn my back and ignore?
